Tributes

It is with deep sorrow that Mrs. Brenda Ann McDonald and her family announce the death of her beloved husband, Mr. Michael Ladd "Sweet Baby" McDonald, 74. Mr. McDonald entered into rest on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 3 o'clock on Friday, November 28, 2025, in The Chapel. The Rev. Danny Holley will officiate, and Mr. Donald Byerly will deliver the eulogy. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or the charity of one's choosing. Mr. McDonald was born on Saturday, March 17, 1951, in Hartsville, SC. He is the son of the late John Angus McDonald Sr. and the late Jacqueline Hilton McDonald. He grew up on Prestwood Lake and graduated from Hartsville High School. The youngest of his family, he was lovingly nicknamed "Sweet Baby" by all who adored him. He spent his childhood working (playing) alongside his father on the family farm, learning the value of hard work, humility, and taking pride in a job well done. An avid outdoorsman, Michael loved water skiing, hunting, boating, and especially fishing—both on the lake and in the ocean. Sheepshead were always his favorite to catch. He married Brenda A. McDonald on April 22, 1972, and from the very start, their love carried the warmth and ease of a summer day. Together they built a life filled with deep love, meaningful travels, and memories they cherished for a lifetime—always laughing, cutting up, and finding joy in the simple moments they shared. Michael worked for many years at Carolina Power & Light before retiring and beginning a second career in car sales, where his deep knowledge of cars—and his ability to diagnose an issue just by hearing a description—made him truly gifted. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who brought calm, comfort, and steady reassurance to those around him. He is survived by his wife, Brenda A. McDonald of Hartsville; his son, Michael L. McDonald II of Florence; and his grandchildren, Savanna G. McDonald and Jackson L. McDonald of Florence. He is also survived by his brother, Carl H. (Mary Mac) "Mac" McDonald of Hartsville, and sister-in-law Linda M. (Kenneth) Hyman of Hartsville. He was predeceased by his parents, John Angus McDonald Sr. and Jacqueline Hilton McDonald, and his brother, John A. "Little Jack" McDonald. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, warm heart, and the simple, joyful moments he shared. His love and calm presence will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda A. McDonald of Hartsville, SC; son, Michael L. McDonald II of Florence, SC; brother, Carl H. (Mary Mac) "Mac" McDonald of Hartville, SC; sister-in-Law, Linda M. (Kenneth) Hyman of Hartsville, SC; grandchildren, Savanna G. McDonald of Florence, SC, and Jackson L. McDonald of Florence, SC In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John A. "Little Jack" McDonald of Hartsville, SC. A Tribute from His Grandchildren, Savanna & Jackson McDonald: Some of our favorite memories with our Papa were made on the water, where he taught us the patience, joy, and quiet -- the magic of fishing. Jackson will never forget the day he caught his very first fish with Papa—how Papa's smile stretched wider than the lake itself, proud not of the catch, but of the moment they shared. He showed us how to hold the line steady, how to respect the lake, and how to appreciate the simple things that make life beautiful. Savanna's sweetest memories are found in the warm, easy mornings spent in the kitchen with Papa, making pancakes side by side. He was a wonderful cook, and somehow those pancakes always tasted a little better when he flipped them. Whether in the kitchen or out on the water, he brought a gentleness that made everything feel calm, safe, and steady. Some of our best summers were spent with Papa at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach. We rode around on the golf cart, went to the beach, spent time with family, and made the kind of memories that stick with you forever. Those trips were always something we looked forward to, and they were some of the happiest times we shared with him. We grew up riding around with him in his beloved El Camino, listening to stories, learning about cars, and just enjoying being together. He had a way of slowing the world down—making even the smallest moments feel special. Papa gave us more than memories. He gave us comfort, confidence, and a sense of peace that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. In every ripple of the water, every cast of a line, every quiet morning, and every shared story, a piece of him will always be there. We love you, Papa. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the love. You will always be with us.

Tributes

Mr. Michael Ladd "Sweet Baby" McDonald

March 17, 1951 - November 23, 2025